Southern Sea Blite, Annual seepweed
Suaeda linearis
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Suaeda linearis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Salt marshes, sandy beaches, other coastal wetlands at elevations below 10 metres.
N. America - Florida to Texas and north to south Maine.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaf tips - cooked and also used as a flavouring. A salty flavour. Seed - raw or cooked. They are ground into a meal and used as a mush or added to cereals and used in making bread. The seed is about 2mm in diameter.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Suaeda linearis is strictly annual (probably related to freezing conditions of winter) and usually green in the northern part of its range; it is usually perennial and glaucous in the southern part. It dislikes shade, see the plants native range for other ideas on its cultivation needs.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist